FCTA Orders Secondary Schools to Close Friday Over Insecurity

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has directed all public and private secondary schools within the Federal Capital Territory to shut down academic activities effective Friday, following heightened security concerns across Abuja and surrounding areas. The directive comes amid intelligence reports indicating potential threats targeting soft locations, including schools.

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According to officials of the FCTA Education Secretariat, the decision was taken after a comprehensive risk assessment conducted in collaboration with security agencies, which recommended the temporary suspension of physical learning as a precautionary measure. The closure affects junior and senior secondary schools in all six area councils.

A senior official, who confirmed the development, said the order is meant to “prioritise the safety of students, teachers, and school communities,” stressing that recent incidents and intelligence advisories necessitated urgent action.

“We have received strong security warnings and we cannot take any chances. All secondary schools in the FCT have been asked to close from Friday until further notice. The safety of our children is the top priority,” the official stated.

Consultation With Security Agencies

The directive follows several meetings held between the FCTA, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force, and other security stakeholders. The agencies reportedly analyzed emerging threats and advised that schools—being typically unfortified and densely populated—may be at risk if additional preventive measures are not implemented.

While the specifics of the threat were not disclosed, authorities indicated that the decision is proactive rather than reactive, aimed at avoiding any potential breaches rather than responding to an active incident.

Schools to Switch to Alternative Learning Where Possible

The FCTA Education Secretariat has encouraged schools with the capacity to adopt virtual learning platforms to ensure academic activities continue with minimal disruption. Many school administrators have already begun sending notices to parents, confirming the directive and advising them to monitor official communication channels for updates on resumption.

Private schools, particularly those with digital infrastructure, are expected to switch to online classes temporarily, while public schools will await further guidance from the Secretariat.

Parents Express Mixed Reactions

Parents across the FCT have expressed a mixture of concern and understanding following the announcement. While many welcome the government’s caution, others worry about the academic timetable, especially for students preparing for promotional and external examinations.

Some parents also raised concerns about the lack of clear timelines for reopening, urging the FCTA to ensure that the downtime is used to strengthen security around schools.

Security Agencies Tighten Operations Across Abuja

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force and other security outfits have intensified patrols and surveillance across major districts of the capital. Checkpoints, joint task force vehicles, and plain-clothed operatives have become more visible as part of broader measures to deter criminal activity.

Security analysts believe that the decision to close schools reflects the seriousness of ongoing national security operations, particularly as authorities work to prevent incidents similar to those witnessed in parts of the North-West and North-Central in recent months.

FCTA Urges Calm and Vigilance

In a brief statement, the FCTA urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, assuring that the administration is working closely with national security institutions to keep Abuja safe.

“We are acting out of an abundance of caution. All measures taken are temporary and will be reviewed as soon as security agencies advise that the risk level has reduced,” the Education Secretariat noted.

The Administration assured parents that updates will be provided regularly and that the directive will be lifted immediately once a safer environment is guaranteed.

Awaiting Further Announcements

For now, schools are expected to comply fully with the directive, as security monitoring continues across the capital. The FCTA has called on all school authorities to cooperate with the administration and to report any suspicious activities around their premises to the nearest security agency.

The announcement marks the second time in recent years that the FCTA has ordered temporary closure of schools due to security-related concerns, underscoring the need for sustained investments in school safety and intelligence-driven protection strategies.